Area children and their families gathered in Whitehall recently for the annual Kick for Kancer soccer camp.

Hosted by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, the camp served as an advance kickoff for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September.

The event, held at Schadt Avenue Park and Playground, focused on teamwork, friendship and quality-of-life activities for children who have cancer.

Founded in 2003, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley organizes events and offers support and resource opportunities to entire families fighting cancer, from diagnosis to long after the end of the battle.

The next event to honor Pediatric Awareness Month is the fourth annual Color My World Gala at the Da Vinci Science Center Sept. 6.

Other upcoming events include a full-day Chemo Circus under the Big Top on the grounds of Lehigh Valley Health Network -- Muhlenberg campus Sept. 27 and Oct. 25.